17 Apr 2018

Billed as a potentially explosive title decider between the sides perched in the top two positions of the BTC Premiership log, the contest between Township Rollers and Jwaneng Galaxy became an anti-climax, the match ending all square after a drab, goalless draw.

The many who thronged the National Stadium for theApril 16 night fixture had felt the huge anticipation of a cup final like contest; only to be disappointed with the 0-0 score line after both sides played a cautious game.

With five matches left in the league for both Popa and the Stars, Rollers lead the log with 54 points, with Galaxy staying second on 51 points, but with a slightly better goal average, ready to profit from the slightest of Rollers slip ups.

In fairness, both teams were very comfortable on the ball, and a few chances were created on either side to win the game. But for most periods of the match, caution as opposed to throwing everything into attack, and a packed midfield that sucked the life out of attacking intent, was visible.

Galaxy forward Patrick Kaunda forced a save off Keeagile Kgosipula in the Rollers goal with a close range 17^th minute effort.

Just before the half hour mark, Galaxy right back Thabo Leinanyane went on a powerful run down the right flank and delivered a telling cross only for Kaunda to miss a glorious chance from close range.

Soon thereafter, Popa star Segolame Boy forced a save off Galaxy goal minder Ezekiel Morake.

Late in the opening half, Lemponye Tshireletso had his shot blocked by Morake, while Moalosi teed up Sikele who shot wide with just Morake to beat.

The match went to the break goalless and nothing changed in a cagey second half.

Thero Setsile and Atisang Batsi looked enterprising for Galaxy, but getting the ball through a packed midfield into attacking channels proved problematic.

For Rollers, Ivan Ntege worked hard in his midfield anchor role, as did captain Maano Ditshupo who spread passes in the middle of the park and occasionally burst forward in a box-to-box role.

A Rollers effort was parried away by Morake midway through the second half, only for the ball to fall into the feet of Ditshupo, who spurned a glorious chance to give his side the lead.

A Boy free kick from the right edge of the penalty area was curled in, with Kaone Vanderwesthuizen forcing a save off Morake, and Mosha Gaolaolwe hitting the post from the rebound.

It ended all square, the 0-0 stalemate meaning that it was still delicately poised in the title chase for front runners Rollers and Galaxy, as well as dark horses Miscellaneous and Orapa United who are still within a slight mathematical chance of wrestling the title. ENDS